Seventy-five Major League Baseball scouts requested to attend the March 30 matchup between LSU and Tennessee.
While both teams have several draft-eligible players, most eyes were focused on three players who are projected to be this year’s top-5 overall picks: LSU’s right-hander Paul Skenes, center fielder Dylan Crews and Tennessee right-hander Chase Dollander.
At 6 p.m. on Saturday, the two teams will meet to open the College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska.
We asked four scouts their thoughts on the atmosphere and each of the players. All were granted anonymity to protect their organizations.
Scout 1: American League national scout, 20 years of experience
Scout 2: American League front office assistant, 12 years of experience
Scout 3: National League regional scout, 5 years of experience
Scout 4: National League regional scout, 4 years of experience
What did you think of Thursday night’s atmosphere? Have you ever seen anything like it?
Scout 1: This is the best college baseball game I’ve ever scouted from a talent and pitching standpoint. The only thing that compares is I saw Gerrit Cole and Trevor Bauer throw in the same doubleheader for UCLA.
Scout 2: I’ve been scouting a long time, played in the Southeastern Conference, this is what it was built up to be. The two premier pitchers lived up to the bill. I did scout a game where it was Arizona State versus Cal, there were five first-rounders … Hunter Bishop (ASU), Andrew Vaughn (Cal), Korey Lee (Cal) to name a few. But this is up there as far as pure talent.
Scout 3: The only thing that comes close to this atmosphere is a regional at Arkansas a few years ago against Nebraska; the fans were really into it. This is a big environment as a visitor.
Scout 4: This was a good one to get, the atmosphere makes it fun. I lucked out sitting behind home plate. This was the most fun game I've ever scouted, so much competitive energy.
What impressed you most about Skenes?
Scout 1: His fastball is exceptional; he hides the ball well. He’s a physical monster and that slider with the split finger grip, you’d be hard-pressed to find anybody better than that.
Scout 2: The body jumps out at you right away, but his ability to throw strikes is one of his best assets.
Scout 3: It’s a combination of stuff and pitchability. He has great command and ability to control secondary pitches for strikes early and he’s able to extend innings with consistent velocity.
Scout 4: He’s up there. I’ve never seen him before in person. He’s impressive, especially his ability to throw that fastball for seven innings.
What impressed you most about Dollander?
Scout 1: Dollander is going to be a really good pitcher in the majors. He has good arm action and delivery, throws four pitches for strikes. The only guy that could upstage him is Paul Skenes.
Scout 2: He has premium stuff. LSU ran the count up on him but he has high first-round character and he was able to make pitches to get out of bad situations.
Scout 4: I thought he competed really well.
What stood out to you about Crews?
Scout 1: His bat speed is exceptional; it looks like the ball could beat him, but it doesn’t. And he’s extremely athletic. I was impressed with some of the jumps he took in the field. He’s a true five-tool player.
Scout 3: If you watch a lot of other hitters last night, a lot of them got overwhelmed by guys with big stuff. But if you watch Dylan's at-bats, he's always on time, always taking aggressive swings. He's never overpowered.